Top 10 Largest Meat Producing Countries in the World

List of Top 10 Largest Meat Producing Countries in the World: The top 10 largest meat-producing countries are China, the United States, Brazil, India, Russia, Germany, Mexico, Spain, Argentina, and France. The largest meat-producing country is China with production of 253,024,735 tonnes of meat in 2022-23, followed by the United States and Brazil with production of 145,824,471 and 87,035,453 respectively.

In this article, we will look into the list of the top 10 largest meat-producing countries of the world along with their contribution to the global meat output.

About Largest Meat Producing Countries 2023

China is the world’s largest meat producer, producing 253,024,735 tonnes in 2023. This accounts for 25.91 percent of global meat production. The remaining top five countries are the United States, Brazil, India, and Russia, which account for 54.65% of global meat output. The top 20 meat producers account for more than 75% of global meat production. Other countries that produce meat include Italy, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Canada, and Spain.

In 2023, China produced more than 54 million metric tons of pork, about 20 million tons of chicken, and approximately 6 million tons of beef. The top five countries producing beef and buffalo meat are China, Brazil, India, Argentina, and the United States. In 2020, the US produced 12,379 thousand tonnes of beef and buffalo meat, accounting for 23.49% of global production.

List of Top 10 Largest Meat Producing Countries in the World

The below table lists the top 10 meat-producing countries along with the production quantity in tonnes:

Meat-Producing Country	Production in Tonnes
China	253,024,735
United States	145,824,471
Brazil	87,035,453
India	33,784,089
Russia	33,434,451
Germany	23,365,975
Mexico	22,505,910
Spain	22,249,417
Argentina	18,528,745
France	16,167,700

Largest Meat-Producing Country – China

China is the world’s largest producer of meat, producing over 253,024,735 tons in 2023.

• In 2023, China produced approximately 92.27 million tons of beef, up 3.8% from the previous year.
• Pork output has increased quickly, from over 40 million tons in 1990 to more than 55.41 million tons in 2022.
• China is also the world’s third-largest beef producer, producing three times as much as Australia.
• China mostly imports beef from nations such as Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.
• China’s meat output target for 2025 is 89 million tons, which is approximately 15% greater than 2020.

Second Largest Meat-Producing Country – United States

The United States is the world’s second largest producer of meat, producing over 145,824,471 tons in 2023.

• The US is one of the largest producers of meat in the world, including chicken, pork, and beef.
• The United States ranks among the world’s top producers of beef, making it an important component.
• The United States ranks among the top countries in the world for pork production.
• The production of poultry, which includes chicken and turkey, is significant, and the United States leads the world in this area.
• In recent years, there has been a greater focus on the ethical and environmental aspects of meat production, including sustainability and animal welfare.

Third Largest Meat-Producing Country – Brazil

Brazil is the world’s third largest producer of meat, producing over 87,035,453 tons in 2023.

• Brazil is one of the world’s top producers and exporters of meat, specializing in chicken and beef.
• A major sector is the production of beef, and Brazil, which is renowned for its vast grasslands and cattle ranches, is one of the top exporters of beef in the world.
• In addition, the nation produces and exports an important quantity of poultry, notably turkey and chicken.
• Brazil uses both extensive and intense farming techniques in its large-scale, highly productive agribusiness model for producing meat.
• The meat business in Brazil is regulated and managed in part by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (MAPA).

Fourth Largest Meat-Producing Country – India

India is the world’s fourth largest producer of meat, producing over 33,784,089 tons in 2023.

• India is a leading meat producer in the world, specializing in goat, chicken, and buffalo meat (also known as carabeef).
• India is one of the top producers of buffalo meat, also known as carabeef, which contributes significantly to the nation’s meat output.
• The production of chicken meat and other poultry products has increased significantly in response to rising consumer demand for poultry goods.
• India has a huge population of goats, making goat meat (mutton) a traditional and popular source of meat in the country.
• In India, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying is responsible for administering the laws and rules about the raising of animals and the production of meat.

Fifth Largest Meat-Producing Country – Russia

Russia is the world’s fifth largest producer of meat, producing over 33,434,451 tons in 2023.

• Russia is a major producer of beef, pork, and poultry among other kinds of meat.
• Large-scale commercial enterprises and smaller farms both produce beef in Russia; significant cattle rearing is found in federal areas in the Far East and Siberia.
• Russia’s meat industry heavily relies on the production of pork, as the nation aims to become self-sufficient to lessen its dependency on imports.
• Russia has been attempting to expand its meat exports to other markets, especially in Asia and the Middle East.
• Russia’s meat business is impacted by several variables, including location, climate, and government initiatives to ensure food security.

Sixth Largest Meat-Producing Country – Germany

Germany is the world’s sixth largest producer of meat, producing over 23,365,975 tons in 2023.

• Germany is the largest meat-producing country in the EU, with a varied industry that includes chicken, pork, and beef.
• Germany is recognized for its traditional pig products, such as sausages and cured meats, and pork is the most popular meat there.
• Germany is one of the top producers of chicken meat in the EU. Poultry farming, particularly the production of chickens, has increased.
• Germany has seen an increase in interest in organic and sustainable meat production methods as consumers seek out more ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products.
• Regulations from the European Union, market needs, and changing customer preferences on sustainability and health all have an impact on the German meat business.

Seventh Largest Meat-Producing Country – Mexico

Mexico is the world’s seventh largest producer of meat, producing over 22,505,910 tons in 2023.

• Mexico is a major meat-producing country specializing in chicken, pork, and beef.
• Mexico has a long history of raising cattle, and the national dish is made primarily of beef.
• Mexico is a big consumer of pig products, and there is a lot of pork produced there. Both large-scale and small-scale commercial enterprises are part of this industry.
• Mexico is a major producer of poultry meat in the region and has seen tremendous expansion in poultry farming, notably in chicken production.
• Standards for food safety and animal health in the meat sector are governed and managed by the National Service of Health, Safety, and Agro-Food Quality (SENASICA).

Eighth Largest Meat-Producing Country – Spain

Spain is the world’s eighth largest producer of meat, producing over 22,249,417 tons in 2023.

• Spain is a major European meat producer, specializing in pork, beef, and poultry.
• Spain produces a lot of pork, and the nation is well-known for its traditional cured hams like Jamón Ibérico.
• A combination of intense feedlot operations and vast grassland systems, particularly in areas like Galicia, are used in the production of beef.
• The production of poultry has increased along with poultry farming, and Spain is one of Europe’s leading producers of chicken meat.
• In Spain, agricultural policies, especially those about meat production, are governed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA).

Ninth Largest Meat-Producing Country – Argentina

Argentina is the world’s ninth largest producer of meat, producing over 18,528,745 tons in 2023.

• Argentina is one of the biggest exporters of beef in the world and is well known for its beef production.
• Argentina’s agricultural industry heavily relies on cattle ranching, and the country has a long history of using vast grazing systems.
• Argentina’s culture is strongly rooted in the eating of beef, and regional specialties like asado (barbecue) are well-liked all over the country.
• In the meat industry, food safety regulations and animal health are supervised by the National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA).
• Argentina mostly exports beef to countries in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, but it also sells to other foreign markets.

Tenth Largest Meat-Producing Country – France

France is the world’s tenth largest producer of meat, producing over 16,167,700 tons in 2023.

• Argentina is one of the largest producers of beef in the world and is well known for its beef production.
• Argentina’s agricultural industry heavily relies on cattle ranching, and the country has a long history of using vast grazing systems.
• Argentina’s culture has its origins in the eating of beef, and regional specialties like asado (barbecue) are well-liked all over the country.
• In the meat industry, food safety regulations and animal health are supervised by the National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA).
• Argentina mostly exports beef to countries in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, but it also sells to other foreign markets.

Conclusion – Largest Meat Producing Countries in the World

In conclusion, the top 10 countries that produce the most meat make a major contribution to the world’s total meat production. Every country contributes its unique benefits to the sector; for example, the United States advanced chicken production or Brazil’s vast cattle ranching. The world may see changes in the future of meat production in these countries toward more ethical and ecologically friendly methods as concerns about food safety, animal welfare, and sustainability grow. These countries have a significant influence on the global food supply chain in addition to their economies. The dynamics of meat production in these leading countries will continue to be impacted by ongoing advancements in commerce, technology, and legislation.

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FAQs on Largest Meat Producing Countries in the World

Which country is the largest meat producer globally?

As of recent data, China holds the title of the world’s largest meat producer, with a significant output of pork, beef, and poultry.

What is the primary meat produced in the United States?

The United States is a major beef producer, contributing significantly to the country’s overall meat production, which also includes pork and poultry.

How does Brazil contribute to global meat production?

Brazil is a major player, particularly in beef and poultry production, and is recognized as one of the world’s largest exporters of beef.

What is the focus of meat production in India?

India is a major producer of buffalo meat, known as carabeef, and also has a significant presence in the production of poultry and goat meat.

Which European country is a major meat producer?

The European Union, considered as a single entity for meat production, is a significant contributor, with countries like Germany and Spain playing key roles.

How does Russia contribute to the global meat market?

Russia is a notable meat producer, with a focus on beef, pork, and poultry, and has been working on increasing meat exports to various markets.

What is Argentina’s specialty in meat production?

Argentina is renowned for its beef production, with a strong tradition of cattle ranching, leading to the production of high-quality beef.

How does Mexico fit into the global meat industry?

Mexico is a significant player in meat production, with a focus on beef, pork, and poultry, meeting both domestic demand and contributing to international markets.

What distinguishes Indonesia in meat production?

Indonesia is an important meat producer, particularly in poultry, with chicken being a major component of the country’s meat output.

How does Australia contribute to global meat exports?

Australia is a major exporter of beef and lamb, known for its high-quality meat products that are in demand in various international markets.